How do they match: Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters

  • Traffic Control Operator
  • Centralized Traffic Control Operator

  • Coordinate activities of switch-engine crew within railroad yard, industrial plant, or similar location. Conductors coordinate activities of train crew on passenger or freight trains. Yardmasters review train schedules and switching orders and coordinate activities of workers engaged in railroad traffic operations, such as the makeup or breakup of trains and yard switching.

  • Direct and instruct workers engaged in yard activities, such as switching tracks, coupling and uncoupling cars, and routing inbound and outbound traffic.
  • Observe yard traffic to determine tracks available to accommodate inbound and outbound traffic.
  • Operate controls to activate track switches and traffic signals.

  • Control equipment that regulates vehicle traffic.